PCO Day 9th April 2000
I am sure those that visited the exhibition would agree with me that it was a great day and it was nice to see so many of our drivers. The day did start off very cold and damp, but during the afternoon it turned out to be a glorious, warm summers day.
Dial-a-Cab seem to be the main attraction with many drivers, members of the public and exhibitors all queuing to see our new terminal. In addition, they also wanted to view the Dial-a-Cab Internet Booking System and Web Site.
   It was gratifying to hear the many favourable comments and congratulatory remarks from different sectors of our industry, including our competitors, in support of the Dial-a-Cab Board of Management, drivers and staff.
   I would like to take this opportunity to thank Michael Tarbuck and Theresa Spears for their valuable help throughout the day. Mike is one of the drivers who had been helping with the testing of the new terminal. Therefore he was able to speak with drivers and give first hand knowledge on the usage of the terminal and also to demonstrate how easy it is to use. Theresa, a member of our IT Support Team, was able to talk to visitors about our booking system and many other technological facets of Dial-a-Cab. Thank you both…

PCO 150th Birthday Party
It was a pleasure to have been invited with other members of the Board of Management to this celebratory event. Over 270 guests attended with representatives from the trade including manufacturers, suppliers, trade organisations and the taxi trade charities. It

was also great to see some old friends, including ex PCO  officers and others who have served the taxi trade so diligently.
Congratulations to Roy Ellis, Officer in Charge of the Public Carriage Office, and his team for the hospitality given to all guests and visitors. It was an excellent two days.

Dial-a-Cab First Aid Training: 8th - 15th April 2000
The course was held at The Barbican Hotel in the City and was well attended. Although the training was intense, our instructor Keith Miller (St Johns Ambulance) did make the course extremely enjoyable as well as being easy to understand. Congratulations to all those who passed their examination and received a First Aid Training Certificate. They should feel proud of the fact that they took time out to learn a skill to help someone in need and with that knowledge, to maybe save a life.

Note for your diary: Emergency Exercise "Trump Card"
Over the weekend of 22nd - 23rd July 2000, the Emergency Services will be holding a training exercise in the area of Cannon Street, EC4 and Baynard Castle Street, EC4. This important emergency exercise will undoubtedly cause some disruption to parking and access to those areas will be

 restricted, therefore please be patient and understanding and inform your customers of the situation.

Limo's again
During the past issues of Call Sign, no doubt you have read much about the thoughts of individual Board Members and members generally with regard to the possibility of introducing alternative transport to the Society. I must emphasis as yet that this is not Board policy and as yet, no plans have been forthcoming for the membership to consider.
   With this in mind, I believe it is now more important than ever, due to the new licensing laws and changes to areas in which Licensed London taxi drivers will be able to ply for hire, (you will have read about these changes in the letter sent to you by the Public Carriage Office) to investigate further whether we should incorporate limousines.
   Having discussions with some drivers as to their thoughts about complementing our existing taxi service, it has been stated that maybe some would consider using say, an S Class Mercedes or a Volvo etc as part of a Dial-a-Cab transportation system. We know customers want a "One Stop Shop" but do the membership?
   Will all those who have comments, for or against moving in such a direction, please make contact with me. I also would wish to know how many drivers would like to drive these vehicles, even on a part time basis. This may be more applicable to those drivers who are nearing retirement age or do not have heavy financial commitments.
   This is an important topic: please telephone or write to me on 020 7251 0581 EXT 525 or email me at michaels@dialacab.co.uk. 

Mike Son